The Atkins Diet
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Robert
C. Atkins |
Robert
C. Atkins, M.D., was the founder and medical chair of
The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine, in New York
City. A 1951 graduate of the University of Michigan, Dr.
Atkins received his medical degree from Cornell University
Medical School in 1955, and went on to specialize in cardiology.
In his more than 40 years of practice, he cared for more
than 65,000 patients. |
Atkins
diet information
The Atkins diet was devised by Dr Robert C Atkins. Dr Atkins
was a pioneer of the high protein/ low carbohydrate diets that
are so popular today. Dr Atkins published his book 'Diet Revolution'
in 1972 and it was an immediate bestseller. The theory of a
low carb diet had been around for some time when William Banting
devised the in the late 19th century. It was Dr Atkins that
popularized the theory that you can eat all the proteins you
want and lose weight as long as you eat no carbohydrates. Over
the years Dr Atkins modified his position and the diet now allows
non-starchy vegetables and some unrefined fruits and grains.
The Atkins diet does not allow sugar, simple carbohydrates or
refined grains and starches wherever possible.
The
Dr Atkins programme is a high protein diet in the purest sense
and allows almost no carbohydrates at the start of the diet.
The diet works by inducing a state of ketosis in the body and
you may eat as much food as you like while in this state. Ketosis
is when the body believes it is starving and is deprived of
carbohydrates to burn so it burns fat instead. There is some
dispute whether or not ketosis is damaging to the body (especially
the liver), there is also debate as to whether the body burns
lean muscle mass for fuel not just fat. You can check if you
are in the state of ketosis by checking your urine for the presence
of ketones with a urine test stick (available from the chemist)
The first two weeks there is an induction phase which is like
the original 'diet revolution' where carbohydrates are very
restricted. There should be a large initial weight loss that
will be mainly water. After the first induction phase there
is a transition or ongoing weight loss stage this involves slowly
increasing the amount of carbohydrates in your diet until your
body comes out of the state of ketosis. This can be seen by
testing your urine or when you start to gain weight. When you
are within 5lbs of your target weight you enter the last stage
of the diet, which is 'maintenance', and it is for life long
eating.
Atkins
Diet : Reasons for
- It
actually works
Is safe if you keep some carbohydrates in your diet
Can eat as much protein and fat as you want and still lose
weight
Atkins
Diet : Reasons against
- Weight
can return quite quickly when you stop the diet
- It
has a high drop out rate for the induction phase
- Bad
breath is a side effect of this diet
- The
diet is high in cholesterol and saturated fats which are linked
to
- Low
in vitamins and minerals especially in the induction stage
Atkins
Diet : Verdict
The Atkins diet is an effective diet and is very good for weight
loss especially in the short term and is based on proven results.
To succeed on this diet you must enjoy eggs meat and high fat
foods and be prepared for a life without many foods. It is important
that you have 8 glasses of water with this diet to flush the
ketones from your body it also avoids having bad breath. The
diet doesn't promote healthy eating or a balanced diet
Contributing
Resources:
If you would like more information visit: www.dieting-review.com
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